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Greek Islands Family Adventure

Greek Islands Family Adventure

Trip Highlights

Cycling in the Ionian islands with captivating scenery

Exploring the small towns and villages en route

Soaking up the hospitality on board the comfortable sailing boat

Operated By

Trip Summary

On board a two-masted wooden motor yacht, cruise the Ionian Islands along the west coast of Greece. From Corfu with its Venetian-style Old Town, the trip takes in the islands of Lefkas and Cephalonia. On Meganisi and Paxos, an island covered in olive trees and where time seems to have stood still, we gain an appreciation of traditional Greek island life. During the trip there is ample opportunity to explore the unique islands and coastal world by boat, kayak, bike and on foot. This family-friendly cruise offers flexibility with ample time for swimming, relaxing on the beach or on board, exploring sites and relaxing in tavernas. The level of activity each day is up to you. Our guide on board will offer advice and make suggestions and has plenty of knowledge about the fascinating history of Greece which they are always keen to share.

Suitability

TRIP GRADING - INTRODUCTORY (1)

This tour is suitable for families and does not require any special fitness. The walks and cycles run along good routes, some of which are asphalted, and are not very demanding. If some activities require more physical fitness the guide will point this out beforehand. Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides and you are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Corfu, board boat

Make your own way to Corfu town, where you will find our boat in the main harbour. Alternatively, we can arrange your transfer from the airport or hotel in Corfu to the boat - please ask for our rates. Check-in is from 2:00pm. Dinner on board.
Overnight in Corfu.

Meals: D

Day 2 Cruise to Paxos, short cycle to Mongonisi Bay

After breakfast we cast off and cruise to the olive island of Paxos. Paxos is the smallest of the seven Ionian islands, and has more olive trees than people - 32 sq km are home to over 250,000 olive trees! They cover the island in a wonderful silver-green shimmer. The natural harbour of Gaios is unique and provides a special atmosphere during our stay. In the afternoon we take a small cycle along the coast to Mongonisi bay. The evening can be spent relaxing in a local tavern in Gaios.

Meals: B,L

Day 3 Cruise to Lefkas Island and cycle to a waterfall (4km/2.5mi)

After a fairly long cruise we reach the narrow channel - spanned by a quaint swing bridge - that separates the Island of Lefkas from the mainland. Before landing in Nidri in the early afternoon, we make a swim stop off Skorpios, the private island that was formerly owned by the family of the shipping magnate Aristoteles Onassis. From Nidri we cycle along small asphalt roads to a waterfall. With some luck, it still carries enough water for a refreshing dip. We spend the evening and night in Nidri.

Meals: B,L

Day 4 Cycle to a waterfall, cruise to Fiskardo on Cephalonia

In the morning we cycle from Nidri through olive groves to a nearby waterfall where, with luck, we can take a refreshing swim. We'll then make our way to Fiskardo on the island of Cephalonia. This port, located at the northern tip of the island, will delight you with its colourful little houses and many cafes and bar that line the picturesque harbour-front promenade.

Meals: B,L

Day 5 Cycle from Agia Efimia to Melissani Cave and Sami, cruise to Meganisi Island

After a short crossing by boat, we reach the harbour of Agia Efimia, featured in the Hollywood film 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin'. We'll then cycle along the coastline to the enchanting Melissani Cave, accessible only by row boat. A visit to a donkey farm, informative and fun, is next on the agenda, before we ride to meet the boat in Sami. From here we'll cruise and take a well deserved swim! We'll continue to Meganisi, a charming island where we spend the night.
(Cycling: approx 15km/9.5mi)

Meals: B,L

Day 6 Explore Meganisi by bike, cross to Arillas

After breakfast we have the chance to explore Maganisi on our bikes. Afterwards, a long crossing will take us to Arillas, an idyllic and peaceful place along the west coast of Greece, near Perdika on the mainland. A stroll along the sandy beach or a swim around the boat rounds off the day. We spend the night in Arillas.
(Cycling: approx 10km/6mi)

Meals: B,L

Day 7 Cycle to the monastery of Agios Athanasios, cross back to Corfu

In the morning, our bike tour leads us along remote streets under the shade of old olive trees, through a national park and along a little river until we reach the monastery of Agios Athanasios, which we visit. Our boat awaits us for our last crossing back to Corfu. Here we can enjoy a celebratory evening meal and reflect on our wonderful adventures this week.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 Trip concludes

Disembark after breakfast on board, around 9am, and the trip concludes.

Meals: B

What's Included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches*, 2 dinners (does not include drinks)
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals. *Note that the included lunches and dinners are not clearly labelled on the daily itinerary as they depend on sailing conditions on the day and from time to time we may substitute one of the lunches for a dinner or vice versa, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included.

7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (small supplement applies for above deck or single cabin, a discount applies for 3rd person sharing a cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. The compact cabins have a double bed or a double bed with additional single bunk bed. Excellent discounts apply to a third person sharing a triple cabin, with a configuration of a French bed (quite cosy for two people as it is a little smaller than a double) and a single bunk bed above. Note that the lower deck cabins by their very nature will be marginally noisier and less ventilated due to their proximity to the engine and working part of the boat.

21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier (children's bikes available - minimum child height 130cm / 4.3ft, trailer bicycles and bike seats on request, electric bikes available on most trips for a supplement - limited supplies). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone (limited supply).

Experienced crew of 4 including English speaking tour guide

Bed linen and towels

Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits

Overview maps for daily cycle tours

Guided cycling or walking tours on the different islands

What's Not Included

Travel to and from Corfu

A transfer between Corfu airport/hotel in town and the boat is available on embarkation and disembarkation days - reservation on request and a supplement applies, ask our office for details

Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin – supplement applies, please ask our office for details

Drinks including mineral water on board (charged locally EUR20 per adult and EUR10 per child up to 16 years) and meals not included

Items of a personal nature

Travel insurance - mandatory

Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential and only available in adult sizes), however we cannot guarantee their suitability

Tips for the guide and crew

Optional Bicycle insurance - payable in cash locally. EUR10 per person for trekking bike, EUR20 per person for electric bike. Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If you do not take out bike insurance you will need to pay for the cost of the bike or repair of damages.

Wifi on the boat - you should take your own portable electronic device with you each day if you wish to connect. Free wifi is usually available almost everywhere on the islands on purchase of food or a drink.

Upcoming Travel Dates

AT A GLANCE

Duration:

8 Days

Countries:

Greece

Starting Point:

Corfu

Finishing Point:

Corfu

Activities:

GUIDED CYCLE & WALKCRUISING

Grade:

introductory

Trip Code:

GFA

Prices From:

GBP£1290 Per Person

below deck level single cabin supplement -:

GBP£480

above deck level single cabin supplement -:

GBP£710

Per Person, Twin Share

Select your datesand book now

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